292 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 



shy, and at first allowed me a very near approach), as he flew 

 from his perch into the air, and, in the manner of the true fly- 

 catchers, caught the smaller insects, showing great dexterity 

 during his aerial excursions, which were all short, so far as I 

 observed. He returned each time to his former perch or to 

 one near it, and then occasionally flirted his tail, in the manner 

 of the Pewee, but with much less energy. Finally, either by 

 an accidental sound I frightened him, or he cared no longer to 

 stay, for he flew away to one of the higher branches of a neigh- 

 boring oak, and so from tree to tree, until lost to sight. I 

 suppose this Pygmy Flycatcher to have been a migrant, pass- 

 ing through on his way to the northward with various other 

 small birds, who were abundant at the time. 



Either owing to its great rarity, or its general likeness to 

 other species (especially the Least Pewee), this species, if in- 

 deed genuine, has hitherto escaped the notice of our natural- 

 ists ; but it is hoped that, now being on their guard, these 

 gentlemen will succeed in obtaining specimens, or that I myself 

 may do so, for, on first meeting it, I had no gun. That this 

 bird was a partially albino Least Pewee .{E. minimus) seems 

 wholly improbable. Even its general appearance and habits 

 seemed distinct from those of that bird. I think, moreover, 

 that I should have discovered a Least Pewee there earlier in 

 the season, having been there every day previously, and the 

 Least Pewees having arrived several days before ; for, as is 

 well known, these birds usually frequent their haunts pretty 

 persistently ; finally, I have not seen my bird since. This 

 matter must be left to the consideration of the public, until 

 more satisfactory evidence can be produced. 



